tag:www.gov.uk,2005:/government/organisations/crown-commercial-serviceCrown Commercial Service - Activity on GOV.UKHM Government2017-08-17T15:25:28+01:00tag:www.gov.uk,2005:PublicationesquePresenter/2735002014-04-30T00:00:00+01:002017-08-17T15:25:28+01:00Guidance: How to become a Crown Commercial Service supplierLearn more about how to become a supplier of goods and services to the public sector through the Crown Commercial Service.<p><em>Updated:</em> simplified bidder pack note added.</p><div class="govspeak"><p>This introduction to the Crown Commercial Service is for potential suppliers of goods and services to the public sector. It includes guidance on how to find and respond to tender opportunities for suppliers of all sizes, including small and medium sized enterprises (<abbr title="small and medium sized enterprises">SMEs</abbr>).</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:PublicationesquePresenter/3649842017-08-17T15:21:19+01:002017-08-17T15:21:19+01:00Guidance: Simplified Bidder Pack - Split TermsCrown Commercial Service is replacing its 'Invitation to Tender' pack with a simplified version. Here you can find new terms and conditions.<div class="govspeak"><p>We are developing our simplified bid pack for bidders. This is replacing the existing ‘Invitation To Tender’ pack which has been used for several years.</p>
<p>We are also developing simplified terms. In its beta version, the simplified bid pack will use ‘split terms’. These take our existing terms and split them in two:</p>
<h3 id="the-clauses-that-rarely-change-are-held-on-this-web-page-along-with-our-schedule-templates">The clauses that rarely change are held on this web page, along with our schedule templates:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Framework General Terms and Conditions</li>
<li>Framework Schedule templates</li>
<li>Call Off General Terms and Conditions</li>
<li>Call Off Schedule templates</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="any-optional-or-amended-clauses-and-the-schedules-as-customised-for-each-procurement-will-be-held-in-the-bid-pack-this-is-to-help-you-focus-on-what-is-different-for-each-procurement">Any optional or amended clauses and the schedules as customised for each procurement will be held in the bid pack. This is to help you focus on what is different for each procurement.</h3>
<p>How all these work together will be explained in each bid pack. You can access the bid packs through our <a rel="external" href="https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/emptoris/sso_login.jsp#/login/loginPage">eSourcing suite</a>.</p>
<p>Future versions of our simplified bid pack will use much simpler terms later this
year. We will announce when we start to use them.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:PublicationesquePresenter/785032012-11-07T00:00:00+00:002017-08-17T13:51:36+01:00Transparency data: Crown Representatives and strategic suppliersInformation about the Crown Representatives and the strategic suppliers they work with.<p><em>Updated:</em> new list added</p><div class="govspeak"><p>These documents provide a list of the Crown Representatives and the strategic suppliers they work with. The risk management policy relating to strategic suppliers is also provided.</p>
<h2 id="about-crown-representatives">About Crown Representatives</h2>
<p>The Cabinet Office introduced a new approach for how government engages with its key strategic suppliers in 2011. It introduced the ‘Crown Representative’ network to act as a focal point for particular groups of providers looking to supply to the public sector.</p>
<p>Crown Representatives help the government to act as a single customer. They work across departments to:</p>
<ul>
<li>ensure a single and strategic view of the government’s needs is communicated to the market</li>
<li>identify areas for cost savings</li>
<li>act as a point of focus for cross-cutting supplier-related issues</li>
</ul>
<p>Crown Representatives cover all sectors of service provision including small and medium enterprises, voluntary sector organisations, mutually owned organisations, large suppliers and specific sectors.</p>
<p>The government is committed to doing business in new and innovative ways and the team of Crown Representatives is at the heart of this work and the reforms currently underway.</p>
<div class="call-to-action">
<p>If you have any questions regarding the Crown Representative programme please email <a href="mailto:gcfsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk">gcfsupport@cabinetoffice.gov.uk</a> or <a href="mailto:sebastian.peyton@cabinetoffice.gov.uk">sebastian.peyton@cabinetoffice.gov.uk</a>.</p>
</div>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:PublicationesquePresenter/3513422017-02-15T11:32:00+00:002017-08-16T11:23:18+01:00Research and analysis: Mystery Shopper results: 2017These updates show the issues raised and resolution of cases investigated in 2017 under the Mystery Shopper scheme.<p><em>Updated:</em> Latest results added.</p><div class="govspeak"><p>These updates show the issues raised and resolution of cases investigated in 2016 under the Mystery Shopper scheme.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:DetailedGuidePresenter/2715602014-12-08T10:19:00+00:002017-08-14T13:37:23+01:00Detailed guide: Buying goods and services: options for public sector buyersProcurement options available from the Crown Commercial Service for the public sector.<p><em>Updated:</em> Updated software discounts link and added link to online enquiry form for aggregation.</p><div class="govspeak"><h2 id="overview">Overview</h2>
<p>If you work for a government, public sector or third sector organisation and are buying goods and services for your organisation, you can use the Crown Commercial Service (<abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr>) to buy a variety of common goods and services. The options available include:</p>
<h3 id="self-service-options">1. Self service options</h3>
<ul>
<li>run further competitions through a framework agreement</li>
<li>use the eMarketplace to buy through a catalogue and request quotes</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="procurement-support">2. Procurement support</h3>
<ul>
<li>eAuctions</li>
<li>aggregated further competitions</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="introduction">Introduction</h2>
<p>All public and third sector organisations and government departments can use the self service options to buy a variety of commonly used goods and services.</p>
<p>If you can’t find what you want in the self service area, or would like to combine your needs with those of other organisations to get best value, <abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr> can provide advice and support to help you, either through another <abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr> service or via the wider marketplace.</p>
<p>Whatever route you take, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>the current <a href="https://www.gov.uk/transposing-eu-procurement-directives">procurement regulations</a> which govern public sector procurement</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>the government recommended process for operating, managing and delivering procurement projects from the start to finish: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lean-sourcing-guidance-for-public-sector-buyers">the Lean Sourcing Process</a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p>courses in <a href="https://www.gov.uk/commercial-and-procurement-training">procurement basics</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="self-service-options-1">1. Self service options</h2>
<p>The <abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr> self service options can be used for both large and small purchases whether above or below the <a rel="external" href="http://www.ojec.com/Threshholds.aspx">EU threshold</a>.</p>
<p>You can buy a variety of commonly used goods and services including travel, print, stationery and office equipment, technology hardware software and services, professional services, fleet and energy. You can buy them through a number of methods.</p>
<h4 id="framework-agreements">Framework agreements</h4>
<p>A framework agreement is a type of ‘umbrella’ agreement negotiated with suppliers by <abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr>, on behalf of the public sector. Because so many organisations buy through these agreements the suppliers can offer competitive prices. Each framework agreement comes with standard terms and conditions.</p>
<p>Where there is only one supplier on the agreement, or if there is an option for direct award within the guidance notes for the agreement, you can place an order directly with the supplier.</p>
<p>You can also run a further competition against an existing agreement through the <abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr> eSourcing tool or your own organisation’s sourcing tool if you have one.</p>
<div class="call-to-action">
<p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crown-commercial-service-agreements">View a list of agreements currently available</a></p>
<p><a rel="external" href="http://ccs-agreements.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/">Find the goods or services you want by using the ‘Find an agreement’ tool</a></p>
<p><a rel="external" href="https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sso/jsp/login.jsp">Log on and run a further competition through the <abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr> eSourcing tool</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esourcing-suite-guidance-for-customers">Learn how to run a further competition</a></p>
<p><a rel="external" href="http://ccs-forms.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/using-esourcing-suite-0">Register for access to the eSourcing tool</a></p>
</div>
<h4 id="the-emarketplace">The eMarketplace</h4>
<p>If your requirements are straightforward the Government eMarketplace provides a range of options for smaller purchases you can buy online.</p>
<p>Through the eMarketplace you can:</p>
<ul>
<li>place direct orders for products and services via our catalogues</li>
<li>send electronic request for quotes to pre-registered suppliers on the Dynamic Marketplace</li>
<li>view contracts or supplier lists</li>
</ul>
<div class="call-to-action">
<p><a rel="external" href="https://buyers.procserveonline.com/otis/login.html?marketplace=gem">Log on to the eMarketplace</a></p>
<p>Find out more and register: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/emarketplace-a-guide-for-public-sector-buyers">eMarketplace guide</a></p>
<p>Read an <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-emarketplace">Introduction to the Government eMarketplace</a></p>
</div>
<h2 id="procurement-support-1">2. Procurement support</h2>
<p>If you can’t find what you want in the self service area, or would like to combine your needs with those of other organisations to get best value, you can use one of <abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr>’s aggregation services. We run eAuctions and aggregated further competitions on your behalf, to help you manage the procurement process and achieve great savings.</p>
<h4 id="eauctions">eAuctions</h4>
<p>By encouraging competition amongst suppliers and combining your needs with those of other customers, you can reduce the price you pay through an eAuction.</p>
<p>eAuctions can also consider other criteria such as quality, delivery and service levels.</p>
<h4 id="aggregated-further-competitions">aggregated further competitions</h4>
<p>When buying common goods and services, bringing together customers’ needs provides several advantages, including savings and a simpler tender process.</p>
<p>Recent examples of our aggregation success can be found in our <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ccs-case-studies">case study collection</a></p>
<p>Aggregation is suitable for most common goods and services, and we can use any <abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr> multi-supplier framework where further competitions can be run.</p>
<p>If there is something you are looking to buy, and you would like us to explore the potential to help you achieve further savings by bringing your requirement together with other customers, <a rel="external" href="https://buying.crowncommercial.gov.uk/s/WPS-Campaign">please get in touch</a></p>
<div class="call-to-action">
<p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/buying-technology-how-ccs-can-help">Find out more about aggregation opportunities</a></p>
</div>
<h4 id="commercial-service-central-government-only">commercial service (central government only)</h4>
<p>This service is for departments requiring goods and services above the EU threshold and where a suitable self service agreement is not available.</p>
<p>The procurement operations team is responsible for delivering the end-to-end OJEU and sub-OJEU procurement process. The process includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>the initial contact and pre-procurement engagement to fully understand customer requirements</li>
<li>defining the requirement, through the sourcing cycle to evaluation</li>
<li>award and contracting</li>
</ul>
<p><abbr title="(https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/crown-commercial-service) Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr> will run the procurement process up to the award of the contract. Once awarded the contract will be managed by you. This service incurs a charge.</p>
<div class="call-to-action">
<p>Contact the customer service team on 0345 410 2222 to discuss how to access this service.</p>
</div>
<h2 id="other-discounts">Other discounts</h2>
<p>Special public sector discounts have been agreed with a number of software suppliers providing significant savings.</p>
<div class="call-to-action">
<p>Eligibility criteria may apply. Get more information on these <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-sector-discounts-for-software">software discounts</a></p>
</div>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:DocumentCollection/3341642016-07-14T15:22:00+01:002017-08-11T09:27:54+01:00Collection: CCS case studiesCase studies showing how the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is working with SMEs and helping the public sector make significant savings.<p><em>Updated:</em> Added new case study</p><div class="govspeak">
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:CaseStudyPresenter/3645662017-08-11T09:22:57+01:002017-08-11T09:22:57+01:00Case study: Sunderland City Council saves £200,000 on insurance servicesCCS Insurance Services framework helps council make significant savings on the cost of their insurance premiums. <div class="govspeak"><p>Sunderland City Council offers hundreds of services to approximately 280,000 local residents and 8 million visitors each year.</p>
<h2 id="the-challenge">The challenge</h2>
<p>In 2016, the council began a major procurement exercise for their insurance requirements. The new agreements had to be in place by 1 April 2017 and previously cost approximately £1 million per annum. This was a complex programme that had to cover not only the interests of the council, but other subsidiary companies and associated organisations.</p>
<h2 id="the-solution">The solution</h2>
<p>Using the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Insurance Services II framework (RM3731), the council, with support from their contracted insurance broker, Marsh, reviewed its insurance portfolio and prepared for the upcoming procurement exercise.</p>
<p>An engagement event open to all suppliers on the framework was organised by the council, whereby a series of risk presentations with heads of service and key officers took place. The aim was to provide a thorough understanding of the council’s risk exposure, the controls currently in place and those planned for the immediate future.</p>
<p>The council, along with Marsh, also evaluated the council’s insurance programme to determine the cover and structure required. This included a review and validation of claims history, changes to service delivery (past, present and future), sums insured, limits of indemnity and levels of self-insurance.</p>
<p>Working closely with the council’s procurement function, the insurance team and Marsh carried out a comprehensive further competition with lot 1 suppliers to determine the best fit for the council.</p>
<h2 id="the-results">The results</h2>
<p>The council secured the same level of insurance with a saving of £200,000 per annum through a long-term agreement using the CCS framework, helping to protect essential citizen services.</p>
<h2 id="get-involved">Get involved</h2>
<p>To find out more about buying insurance services:</p>
<p><a rel="external" href="http://ccs-agreements.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/contracts/rm3731">Visit the insurance services framework web page</a></p>
<p><a rel="external" href="https://buying.crowncommercial.gov.uk/s/WPS-Campaign">Complete this online form</a></p>
<p>Call us on 0345 410 2222</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:CaseStudyPresenter/3644562017-08-09T11:08:51+01:002017-08-09T11:08:51+01:00Case study: Claims management service saves Ministry of Defence £1.6 millionThe CCS Insurance Services framework has helped the Ministry of Defence achieve big savings and commercial benefits.
<div class="govspeak"><h2 id="background">Background</h2>
<p>The Crown Commercial Service’s (<abbr title="Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr>) Insurance Services framework (RM3731) includes a standalone lot for claims management. This was developed to support government departments and public sector organisations that have a requirement for services to manage common law compensation claims brought against them. For example, claims following road traffic collisions with department vehicles or claims from employees injured whilst carrying out their official duties.</p>
<h2 id="the-customer-requirement">The customer requirement</h2>
<p>Following a stringent procurement exercise under the framework in 2016, the Ministry of Defence (<abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr>) selected Topmark Claims Management Ltd and entered into a 4-year call-off agreement with them.</p>
<p>Topmark was appointed to manage a high volume of third party motor liability claims involving <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> vehicles and employer’s liability claims directed at <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> from <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> employees, both civilian and military personnel, injured in the course of their duties.</p>
<p>Topmark had 2 months in which to prepare for implementation of the service, including training staff and setting up an IT system and claims processes. A seamless transition was successfully achieved when the contract went live.</p>
<h2 id="the-results">The results</h2>
<p>Thanks to the framework’s competitive fee structure, the <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> is expected to save approximately £1.6 million over the 4 year contract. There is also the potential for further savings by developing efficiencies in the claims process and improving current procedures.</p>
<p>A representative from <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> said:</p>
<div class="call-to-action">
<p>“The <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> moved from an established third party claims administrator with 9 years’ experience of working with the department to a new supplier. As with the appointment of any new supplier there is an element of the unknown until services begin to be delivered, and it was recognised that a transition period would be required. Topmark was unfamiliar with <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> and needed to understand very quickly the complex construct of the department and how it works, in order to support its investigations into claims.</p>
<p>Communication lines were quickly established between key stakeholders and the supplier, leading to the development of strong working relationships. Since the contract was awarded Topmark has demonstrated a high level of competence in claims management and the <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> has been very impressed at the supplier’s ability to quickly learn about departmental processes and deliver.</p>
<p>In particular, Topmark has been proactive in their approach to customer/stakeholder engagement and the team is professional and responsive. There is a real appetite to support the customer and the <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> is also working closely with Topmark to improve departmental claims management processes and introduce efficiencies, which will further drive down costs.</p>
<p>One year on from contract award and the claims management function is operating very well. <abbr title="Ministry of Defence">MOD</abbr> will continue to work closely with Topmark to support the delivery of the core claims function and build on the work to enhance business processes.”</p>
</div>
<h2 id="find-out-more">Find out more</h2>
<p><a rel="external" href="http://ccs-agreements.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/contracts/rm3731">View the Insurance Services framework online</a></p>
<p>Call 0345 410 2222</p>
<p>Email <a href="mailto:info@crowncommercial.gov.uk">info@crowncommercial.gov.uk</a></p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:PublicationesquePresenter/2793252012-10-03T00:00:00+01:002017-08-02T11:59:28+01:00Guidance: Crown Commercial Service agreementsA list of the framework agreements available from the Crown Commercial Service (CCS).<p><em>Updated:</em> Updated framework list.</p><div class="govspeak"><p>This list provides a summary of the <abbr title="Crown Commercial Service">CCS</abbr> frameworks currently available through which government, public and third sector organisations can buy common goods and services. It includes details of when each framework is due to expire and a web link to the full framework information.</p>
<p>Full details of each framework and the buying options can also be found in <a rel="external" href="http://ccs-agreements.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/">‘Find an agreement’</a>. Entering the agreement reference number, which can be found in the list above, in the search box will help you quickly access the agreement you are looking for.</p>
</div>tag:www.gov.uk,2005:PublicationesquePresenter/3572042017-04-21T14:36:00+01:002017-08-02T11:00:54+01:00Promotional material: CCS brochures: customerBrochures about how CCS is dedicated to working with customers across all areas of the public and third sector. <p><em>Updated:</em> Added brochure for schools and academies.</p><div class="govspeak"><p>Crown Commercial Service (CCS) aims to help customers achieve outstanding commercial value when buying common goods and services</p>
<p>These brochures offer an overview of how CCS works with customers across all areas of the public and third sector, in addition to working with central government departments and agencies.</p>
</div>